Mindfulness meets nerve zapping: a new way to curb heavy drinking?

NCT ID NCT07516873

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Cambridge Health Alliance Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether combining a week of mindfulness training with a gentle nerve stimulation device (RAVANS) can help young heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol intake. Fifty participants aged 21-29 will practice mindfulness and receive either active or inactive stimulation during lab visits. Researchers will measure heart rate variability and self-reported drinking to see if the combo is acceptable and shows promise.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Respiratory-gated Auricular Vagal Afferent Nerve Stimulation (RAVANS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, mind-body approach to help young adults cut back on heavy drinking.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small feasibility study with only 50 participants. It is not designed to prove effectiveness, and the results may not apply to broader populations.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEAVY DRINKING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Mindfulness and Compassion
RECRUITING

Malden, Massachusetts, 02148, United States

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